Med Gull

[PeterB]

I was told that this was a Mediterranean Gull. I looked at it and saw a BHG which was more into summer than all the others. I took this hopeless photo and forgot about it until today when someone else told me there was a Med Gull there. Taken Saturday in Hertfordshire. All the other BHG still have full on winter marks.

What say you ?

[aquila 1]

Hi Peter I had one last week, was told it was an early black headed,there is a lot of early moulted ones about. looking at your picture, the cap goes on an angle. on a med gull it goes straight across in black. mac

[Dave Appleton]

You're absolutely right Peter, this is a straightforward adult Black-headed Gull beginning to attain breeding plumage. For starters there is too much black in the wing tips for a Mediterranean Gull. If there was a Med Gull there then this wasn't it!

[PeterB]

Thanks Both. I took the pinch of salt at the time, but always worth checking.

[Stargazer]

The difference between the two is easy when they are side by side - which is quite often, as Mediterranean Gulls are fond of joining flocks of BHGs.

BHGs in summer plumage are not actually black-headed, more chocolate brown. The Med Gull's head is very definitely black. Couple that with a blood-red bill and a very obvious white ring around the eye and you know you're looking at a Med.

[PeterB]

I just realised where I've one wrong (and the observer with me).

This pic was taken at the location by a local birder Dave Bilcock. Now I know what I am looking at.

[dales birder]

Peter,that 2nd photo is a good one for showing the i.d. differences of the 2 species.

[MIKE THROWER]

Check my album of Winter plumaged Med Gulls, posted in 2009